The tradition known in the Western world as Hinduism is originally called Sanātana Dharma, which is not a religion in the conventional sense. Unlike Abrahamic religions and other faiths such as Buddhism and Sikhism, Sanātana Dharma was not founded by a single individual. The term Sanātana means "eternal," while Dharma has no exact English equivalent but can be roughly translated as the "path of righteousness." It encompasses an ethical and moral code, along with an individual's duties and responsibilities in various roles throughout life.
For instance, a parent has pitru dharma (father’s duty) or mātṛ dharma (mother’s duty), which includes nurturing and protecting their children. In return, children have putra dharma (child’s duty), meaning that once they grow up, they are responsible for caring for their parents in old age. Sanātana Dharma promotes a Dharmic way of life, emphasizing moral responsibility in various roles—whether as a parent, child, sibling, student, employee, or employer—within a strong ethical framework.
Sanātana Dharma is based on two fundamental principles:
The Concept of Karma: Individuals are accountable for their actions. God is not a judge, but a facilitator of Karma—the law of cause and effect.
The Cycle of Rebirth: The soul (ātman) undergoes continuous rebirth, based on Karma, taking different forms until spiritual growth is attained.
Sanātana Dharma sees no separation between God and the universe. Worship is a way of invoking divine energy within oneself, which can be practiced through:
The Four Pillars of Righteousness (Chaturvidha Puruṣārtha):
The Five Yamas (Restraints): Ahimsā, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha
The Five Niyamas (Observances): Śaucha, Santoṣa, Tapas, Svādhyāya, Īśvarapraṇidhāna